Val Kilmer Returns to the Screen via Generative AI in ‘As Deep as the Grave’
The late Val Kilmer is making a striking return to cinema, though not in the traditional sense. On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, filmmakers debuted a first look at the indie project As Deep as the Grave during CinemaCon at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, revealing a prominent role for the actor played by a generative AI recreation.
The historical drama, which is based on the lives of archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris, utilizes AI to bring Kilmer back to the screen for a significant portion of the film. According to industry reports, the AI-rendered version of the actor is featured for over an hour of the movie, appearing at various stages of his life.
In the trailer, Kilmer portrays Father Fintan, a character who is both a Native American spiritualist and a Catholic priest. The sequence concludes with a haunting line from the recreated actor: “Don’t fear the dead and don’t fear me.”
The decision to use generative AI has sparked significant conversation within the industry. Writer-director Coerte Voorhees and his brother John addressed the controversy during a panel at CinemaCon, explaining that they sought to handle the process ethically. The filmmakers stated that they worked closely with Kilmer’s children as well as the actors union to ensure the performance was handled with respect.
This digital resurrection comes after Kilmer passed away last year at the age of 65 due to pneumonia. While the use of AI to recreate deceased performers remains a hot-button issue, some within the film industry view these advancements as new opportunities for storytelling.
The project highlights a growing trend of integrating advanced technology to preserve the likeness of legendary performers, adding a complex new layer to the intersection of ethics and art in modern cinema.
